Each region differs in how it delivers these events and how they are publicised.
Experience shows that universities are keen to offer free venues for technical meetings, helping to improve student participation and knowledge.
It is recommended that each set of technical meetings (6 for most regions) includes at least one lecture on an aspect of ICE development, such as an ‘introduction to development objectives’ presented by a local Membership Development Officer.
Use the quick links to the right to jump to the type of event or competition you would like to know more about.
Written Exercise Discussion Groups (WEDG)
WEDG courses take place across the country, and are run by both ICE and companies. These courses aim to provide held and advice for delegates sitting their Professional Review. Participation will educate and advise all candidates on what to expect as they work towards becoming members of ICE.
Typically these course take place every 6 months, commencing in either January or July, ensuring that the 8 weeks of the course are completed 2 weeks prior to the start of the Professional Review process. Normally these classes will last for two hours and take place from between 18:00 and 20:30 (half an hour is allowed for alterations). The format generally consists of the following:
- 30 minute presentation by the guest speaker
- 30 minute group discussion and presentation preparation
- 60 minute group presentation and open floor discussion
Learn more about the format, program and feedback process for WEDG events.
Weekend Conferences and Evening Lecture series
These events are a great way to allow graduates, technicians and students to continue with training outside of formal work / study hours, as well as offering a good chance to network with industry figures.
Weekend conferences or lecture series will usually begin on a Friday evening and close on Sunday afternoon, allowing a full weekend of studying / training tailored to the participants needs. There is a strong social theme to these events, offering the opportunity to meet fellow members and make new friends.
When organising a weekend conference, it is important to remember that the benefits need to be described not only to potential delegates, but also to their employer, who may be paying their fee.
Find out more about organising a weekend conference or evening lecture series. The document includes examples of advertising the benefits of these events, as well as what a standard weekend / evening lecture series may consist of.
Papers Competition
The Graduate and Student Papers Competition (GSPC) is an annual event that gives young engineers the opportunity to present a paper to an audience of industry professionals and peers. It promotes and rewards excellence in the originality and communication of civil engineering ideas and research.
Graduate and student members are invited to submit papers on any topic related to civil engineering. Entries can be based on the applicant’s own work and adapted from undergraduate research papers, university projects, professional development or professional review reports.
The competition is run with regional finals, with these winners papers then submitted to One Great George Street for short listing for the national final, which takes place in June each year. The key contact for the competition is tony.blackmore@ice.org.uk.
Download the Graduate and Student Papers Competition document to learn more about:
- The competition process and conditions of entry
- Judging and sponsorship
- Promoting the event
- Increasing regional participation
Model Making Competition
Engaging with, and increasing student participation with, ICE is crucial to the future of the Institution and the civil engineering industry at large. Regional teams have run successful competitions aimed at increasing this participation which have been so successful they have subsequently turned into an annual event known as the Model Making Competition.
The competition requires teams of students to design and build a physical model from the materials provided. In the past this has included:
- A water tower,
- A crane stand,
- And a building
See examples of successful past projects carried out as part of the competition, a marking sheet and further details on entry requirements.
Debate competition
The debate competition is typically aimed at senior university teams, though graduate teams may be permitted. Teams are sought from the main educational bodies within respective regions – Four teams will typically be chosen based on interest in the event. Educational body heats may be held to select teams for representation at a regional final.
Topics for debate are wide ranging, and with past debates including:
This house believes that:
- “the new infrastructure for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is money well spent”
- “the introduction of Eurocodes will degrade the quality of work on projects
Learn more about the format, marking and organisation of a debate competition
Communications Competition
The Communications Competition is about developing the communication skills of your engineers, skills that are an essential tool for engineer’s career development.
First devised by former ICE President David Green in 1992, the competition is based on the setting of a public meeting on a fictional scenario, involving potentially any aspect of engineering work. Teams are required to produce a leaflet and outline their scheme before giving a presentation to an audience.
Learn more about the Communications Competition, include details of the 2010 competition entry information, and the scenario put forward for that year’s competition.
Site visits
Download details on site visits undertaken by various regional committees, alongside details of those who can provide advice and assistance in arranging site visits.
Technician Member events
A number of ICE regions have held events aimed directly at Technician members. These events tend to focus on the latest developments in software, and particularly Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Specific Technician member Professional Review workshops are also held in some regions and can sit alongside Chartered Professional Review workshops. MDOs for instance can speak at both workshops in the same evening.
Regional Speaker contacts
G&SNet recommends that each region has a database of speakers who can be used. This can then be used to compile a national database of speakers so that each region can keep events fresh. Download an example proforma.